LA Panel Recommends Chance At Cash Prize To Boost Voter Turnout

CHEVIOT HILLS (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles city officials Thursday are considering the idea of a big cash lottery prize as a way to boost voter turnout.

In an effort to get more people to vote, the city ethics commission is recommending that the City Council consider offering a cash lottery prize to voters.

KCAL9’s Dave Bryan spoke with a member of the city ethics commission about the panel’s recommendation.

“Anyone who votes is eligible to win a certain percentage of money,” said Jessica Levinson, ethics commissioner. “I mean, maybe its $25,000; its up to $100,000.”

Some critics, however, believe a voter lottery is not the answer, due to the idea of bribery and people voting for the sake of winning a prize.

“That’s one of the concerns, honestly, that I raised today in the meeting,” Levinson said. “When you do have these types of systems, people do end up oftentimes educating themselves before going to the polls.”

City Council President Herb Wesson plays a key role in the decision of the proposal and is eagerly waiting for this debate and public discussion about the issue.

Bryan said Wesson will not endorse the idea until he has more information on the proposal.